6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
3/14/2013 - MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The roar of CF-18 Hornet engines echoes throughout MacDill Air Force Base as student and instructor pilots from the Royal Canadian Air Force prepare for takeoff.
Fifteen CF-18 Hornets from the 410 Tactical Fighter (Operational Training) Squadron, Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, Alberta Canada, are conducting training missions here through March 15.
Every year, around this time, the Royal Canadian Air Force migrates to warmer climates to increase flying time. Usually, Naval Air Station Key West hosts the Canadians but this year MacDill was selected to host our NATO allies.
"The weather plays a significant role in us being able to accomplish our training mission," said Maj. Chris Miller, 410 Tactical Fighter (Operational Training) Squadron operations officer. "We've been able to sustain a higher flying rate, and we really appreciate MacDill allowing us to come down here and get done what we need to do."
During the first tactical phase of training, the new pilots learn basic fighter maneuvers such as, how to handle aerial combat when in a one-on-one situation and two-on-one scenario, which teaches them how to work together.
The two-hour training takes place about 20 miles west of Sarasota, Area 168, a 40,000-square-mile air space.
"This is great continuity for the pilots; they will be flying more than five times a week," said Lt. Col. Paul Doyle, 410 Tactical Fighter (Operational Training) Squadron commanding officer.
Launching more than 15 flights a day, instructor pilots train new pilots on a two-seat multi-role jet.
"The day I stop learning is the day I stop flying," said Capt. Andrew Jakubaitis, 410 Tactical Fighter (Operational Training) Squadron CF-18 student pilot.
Aside from pilots, the Canadians brought more than 120 Airmen to include, mechanics and other crew members vital to the completion of the mission. They also brought an Airbus A-320 aerial refueling tanker for the students to become accustomed to in-flight refueling which MacDill specializes in.
"Being able to walk away with more service qualifications under my belt when I leave here is one of best things about this experience," said Cpl. Tanya Roach, 410 Tactical Fighter (Operational Training) Squadron aircraft structure technician.
However this mission accomplished more than just training for both nations.
"The camaraderie that we are developing with everybody on the base and all the folks in the Tampa Bay area is important," said Chief Warrant Officer Rick Robertson, 410 Tactical Fighter (Operational Training) Squadron chief warrant officer.
During their time here, the partnership between the two forces grew as they worked together to maintain the CF-18s.
"The U.S. Air Force people were fantastic. They were able to get us a hangar to protect all our jets during the Tornado warning," said Roach. "It was awesome to see everyone come together and make it happen. Within an hour and a half we had all the jets secured in the hangar."
From providing shelter to aircraft parts, both forces played a role in making sure that the pilots' training was a success.
"The U.S. Air Force provided materials that we were unable to bring with us. They also assisted us in a non-destructive inspection," stated Roach. "Some of the requirements that we needed to get done would not have been accomplished without MacDill's support."
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